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<?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" href="http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/rss.xsl" media="screen"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"><channel><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx</link><description>From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Abby Livingston*** Quintessential Obama: Anyone who didn't think President Obama would give a speech that would aim to rise above the back-and-forth over his commencement speech yesterday at Notre Dame hasn't been paying</description><dc:language>en-US</dc:language><generator>CommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)</generator><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935422</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:21:27 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935422</guid><dc:creator>Feisty Redhead  Roselle, IL</dc:creator><description>It’s no wonder MTP’s ratings are tanking! &amp;nbsp;WTF was that yesterday? &amp;nbsp;I tuned in (which I haven’t been) to see a Kaine vs. Steele Showdown and what I got was the ‘The Tea Bagging Hour with Michael &amp;amp; David!’ &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The so called moderator did anything but! &amp;nbsp;90% of the so called showdown was Steele running off at the mouth as usual and Kaine trying to get a word in edgewise! You guys REALLY need to wise up and lose the shill Gregory before its too late…&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Ps: &amp;nbsp;I think Lawrence O’Donnell would make a brilliant replacement… but what do your ‘ex’ viewers know right?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Glad to see you guys are at it bright &amp;amp; early this morning&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935424</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:21:50 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935424</guid><dc:creator>Telo Mundo</dc:creator><description>Obama's teleprompter gave a great speech yesterday at Notre Dame! Outstanding job TP!!</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935425</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:22:14 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935425</guid><dc:creator>Chuck, WA</dc:creator><description>Yesterday at Notre Dame, President Obama gave another rousing speech, full of poignancy and inspiration, and I discovered one avenue of hope we can all do well to absorb. &amp;nbsp;In talking about abortion, the President said &amp;quot;discover at least the possibility of common ground.&amp;quot; &amp;nbsp;The light finally went on. &amp;nbsp;I get it.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;In a world divided over almost everything (especially in Washington), achieving and developing common ground may be the biggest ‘change’ of all. &amp;nbsp;Liberals v. Conservatives; Democrats v. Republicans, and all the greatly divided sectors of our lives can at least discover common ground; right? &amp;nbsp;Wouldn’t that be the greatest change we will see in Washington? &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The President campaigned on change. &amp;nbsp;We all had ideas on what change means and get excited every time the topic is brought up. &amp;nbsp;I remind myself, the President has constantly reached out to the leaders and members of the GOP, and he has pleaded for common ground. &amp;nbsp;Achieving common ground for all participants in Washington may be the biggest change the President attains. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;This is an easy one folks. &amp;nbsp;We can do this. &amp;nbsp;Achieving common ground should become second nature to all concerned. &amp;nbsp;The President bundled up the discussion by saying &amp;quot;each side (still talking about abortion) will continue to make its case to the public with passion and conviction, but surely we can do so without reducing those with differing views to caricature.&amp;quot; &amp;nbsp;So let’s see what we get posted here for a while.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935426</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:22:16 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935426</guid><dc:creator>Ron Indiana </dc:creator><description>MSNBC: The Place for Politics…NOT… &amp;nbsp;Why didn’t MSNBC cover our President’s speech in Notre Dame? &amp;nbsp;It was a great speech. &amp;nbsp;“Engaging in vigorous debate using fair minded words” &amp;nbsp; Our President’s thoughts made the protesters look petty. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Leon Panetta, head of the CIA, said it is not the CIA’s policy to misinform. &amp;nbsp;Well, what else could he say? He’s not going to say “We only lie once in a while.” &amp;nbsp;He’s not going to say, “We always tell the truth.” &amp;nbsp;It’s not our policy to lie. &amp;nbsp;That doesn’t say much. &amp;nbsp;They take the notes of the meeting. Congressional attendees can’t. &amp;nbsp;Years pass. &amp;nbsp;The only record is what the CIA says. &amp;nbsp;The truth can not be found. &amp;nbsp;Boehner’s comments that Pelosi should show some evidence to support her assertions is simply political gaming. Shame on you John Boehner!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;So Lindsey Graham (SC) wants to broaden the GOP tent and he is heckled. GOP keeps turning right…over a cliff. &amp;nbsp;The conservatives what to maintain their power, win their primary and lose in the general election. &amp;nbsp;As a progressive, that is fine with me. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Boehner, Limbaugh, McConnell support V-P Cheney’s comments. &amp;nbsp;They are going over that same cliff. &amp;nbsp;Boehner may have some competition in 2010. So he has to stay right to keep the conservatives happy. &amp;nbsp;No place to go…but further down.&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935431</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:25:10 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935431</guid><dc:creator>Joe Baitman, NC</dc:creator><description>First Read: &amp;quot; it's going to be hard for Republicans to make the public case that somehow Obama hasn't attempted to reach across the aisle.&amp;quot;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Wow, talk about a left wing rag taking the bait. Obama &amp;quot;reaches across the aisle&amp;quot; by saying &amp;quot;either agree with me, or I'll throw you under the bus&amp;quot;. Gregg figured that out in about 10 seconds. Obama and the Democrats completely locked the Republicans out of any budget and stimulus money bills. And you FR have the gall to say Obama reaches acress the aisle? That kool-aide must taste real good to come to that conclusion.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935434</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:28:30 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935434</guid><dc:creator>Nashville_fan</dc:creator><description>I wonder at what point in our domestic and foreign policy so many of us decided that compromise was not an option.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;When was it decided that if another country does not agree with the United States of America on every issue, we could just ignore them until they did agree.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;When was did it become fashionable to hold up our own personal religious beliefs as the one and only standard for all other Americans to live by.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;When did Americans begin putting ideology ahead of individuals, politics before people, and replace common sense with conspiracy theories.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;So many of our current problems can be traced back to naive &amp;nbsp;attempts to define a complex and interconnected world in simplistic terms such as “good versus evil” and “right versus wrong”. These ideas are, simply put, childish ways to look at the world.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;And as the President said in his Inaugural Address – it is time to put away childish things.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Here’s hoping that all of us, regardless of our personal beliefs and political leanings, can think of each other as people first, all wanting success for our families and our nation, even though we all have VERY different ideas on how to get there.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Just this very simple acknowledgement of our common humanity and destiny is a huge step in the right direction. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Thank you President Obama for leading us back to the bedrock principles that founded this nation – honest dialogue, checks and balances, and yes, compromise. What many have portrayed as a weakness may in fact prove to be your greatest legacy to our nation and to the world.&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935435</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:28:32 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935435</guid><dc:creator>Brian, Girard, OH</dc:creator><description>To A Righty, &amp;quot;common ground&amp;quot; has only one meaning...Do it my way. The only thing they will really complain about today is the teleprompter. &amp;nbsp;They'll always have that. </description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935437</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:29:36 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935437</guid><dc:creator>Gus Fess, AZ</dc:creator><description>The people of California have to be getting fed up with how much their government is costing them. Arnold is like Specter. He thinks he has to appeal to a the liberal base to win an election, but as usually the case, he's wrong. California needs leaders to that will cut the government, probably to less then half it's current size. Arold's not the only one though, the Democratic California legislator is just a guilty of all the spending being done.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;It's time the people of California get serious about cutting back their government and all it's spending. If they don. the state will be bankrupt in about 6 months.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935439</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:30:46 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935439</guid><dc:creator>Anne Hayes, Texas</dc:creator><description>When Obama does change his mind yet again and releases the &amp;quot;torture&amp;quot; pictures, can he also release pictures of a partial birth abortion too? I think the public has a right to know what is going on.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935440</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:31:20 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935440</guid><dc:creator>Looking Fine</dc:creator><description>How's Nancy Pelosi doing today? She find her place yet?</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935443</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:34:27 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935443</guid><dc:creator>Bud Gett</dc:creator><description>California has become an embarassment to the country. Just what in the world is that state trying to do to fix it's fiscal problems? Just like Obama, California is spending money it does not have. We should all take a look at what is happening in California because that is exactly what will be happening for the entire country sooner rather then later.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935447</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:37:15 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935447</guid><dc:creator>I Did Not Have Relations With That CIA Memo, Not Once</dc:creator><description>How's Nancy Pelosi doing today? She find her place yet? &lt;br&gt;Looking Fine (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:31 AM)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Who was the last politician to wag their finger at us and tell us lies? Was that some guy named Bill?</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935449</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:38:23 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935449</guid><dc:creator>Suburban Mom paying attention, IL</dc:creator><description>why hasn't there been a compromise to seat Franken just temporarily, like Republicans did for Mary Landrieu in 1996?&lt;br&gt;------------------------------------------------------&lt;br&gt;Short answer: Tim Pawlenty.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Tim mistakenly believes that by stalling the inevitable certification of the election results, he will be rewarded by the GOP. &amp;nbsp;2012 Presidential nominee, perhaps? &amp;nbsp;Of course, the more likely scenario is that once the Coleman campaign has been laughed out of court, Tim Pawlenty will be discarded like a used Kleenex. &amp;nbsp;He and Coleman are fighting to hang on, because the possibility exists that both men may find themselves out of work- and out of all GOP power circles- very soon.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935453</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:40:25 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935453</guid><dc:creator>J. Ellis, Virginia</dc:creator><description>Just when I thought I could not be any prouder of our President, he bolsters that pride to an all time zenith! He intuitively knows how to cut thru the chatter and come straight to the point of how we can differ in our views, but respect each other as human beings while doing so. He is a brilliant communicator and those that chose to heckle, protest, walk out, etc, should feel embarrassed that they chose to use this opportunity to dummy down the abortion issue rather than have a real exchange in a fitting forum.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The President was triumphant and didn't flinch or turn away from this opportunity. We are so blessed to have him as our President!</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935456</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:43:08 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935456</guid><dc:creator>Pete - Albany, NY</dc:creator><description>Obama's teleprompter gave a great speech yesterday at Notre Dame! Outstanding job TP!! &lt;br&gt;Telo Mundo (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:21 AM)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;----------------------------------------&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Oh, my, aren't we the witty one!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The GOP is to the point that they have their pundits like Glenn Beck and Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity sit in front of teleprompters and make fun of a guy using a teleprompter.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;George W. Bush used a teleprompter.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;John McCain, had he been elected, would use a teleprompter.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;...and the GOP wonders why they are the minority in government.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935457</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:43:57 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935457</guid><dc:creator>Jason Whitt, Chicago IL</dc:creator><description>why hasn't there been a compromise to seat Franken just temporarily, like Republicans did for Mary Landrieu in 1996? &lt;br&gt;------------------------------------------------------&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Short Answer: No law provides for it.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Nice try though.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935458</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:44:45 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935458</guid><dc:creator>Sheila, Pikesville, MD</dc:creator><description>Telo Mundo (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:21 AM)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;How petty can you get? &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The President gave a moving speech. He acknowledged the differences in the two camps (Pro-Choice and Pro-Life) and offered an alternative to the shrill back and forth that we have become accustomed to.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The teleprompter is an inanimate object which does not create words or deliver words so your &amp;quot;cuteness&amp;quot; is unappreciated.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;My hope is that the Notre Dame graduates took away the encouragement that the President was there to provide with his uplifting message.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;What has become clear as a result of this manufactured controversy is that Randall Terry and Alan Keyes have a long way to go to be in the same league as Barack Obama. By the sheer force of his will and personal story he was able to bring the students at Notre Dame to a place where the mutual respect was evident even though there were differences of opinion on some sensitive subject.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;President Obama is not perfect and I will not always agree with him but he is doing a masterful job of outwitting his critics. Witness his selection of Governor Huntsman for Ambassador to China. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Winner!</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935460</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:45:04 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935460</guid><dc:creator>newdayDawning</dc:creator><description>They really do need to find a new host for MTP. &amp;nbsp;It is as unwatchable as Moron Joe is. &amp;nbsp;Lawrence O'Donnell might be a good start. &amp;nbsp;Someone with a personality and some real knowledge and interest in the issues would be a relief. &amp;nbsp;I never used to miss it, and now I never watch it.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935463</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:45:48 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935463</guid><dc:creator>Eric, Salinas, CA</dc:creator><description>The best news I've heard in a long time, that Arnold's Nightmare Propositions are going to go down to defeat tomorrow. &amp;nbsp;I can't wait to vote tomorrow against all of them.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Hopefully President Obama will make it perfectly clear that there must be a two state solution for Palestinians. &amp;nbsp;I don't trust that yahoo Netanyahu to get a peace deal done, just like when he was around during Clinton's tenure.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Barack rocked the house at notre dame yesterday. &amp;nbsp;He certainly has proven that he is not afraid to walk through the valley of death amongst the catholics who whine against abortion. &amp;nbsp;Maybe they'll finally get smart and embrace smart birth control for safe sex if they want to reduce abortions.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Go Fixing Hubble!&lt;br&gt;Go Lakers!</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935466</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:46:49 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935466</guid><dc:creator>Anna Molly</dc:creator><description>Only NOW is First Read impressed with President Obama's skill in wrapping up Senator Clinton? &amp;nbsp;And how about John McCain? &amp;nbsp;Joe Lieberman? &amp;nbsp;By telling Arlen Specter he would support him in 2010, Obam tried to wrap him up, too, but Specter evidently isn't as conscientious as Clinton, McCain, or Lieberman ... or Judd Gregg, for that matter. &amp;nbsp;At least Gregg told Obama he wouldn't go through with it BEFORE the deal was done. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;^^^^^^^^^^^^^&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Is anyone else getting as tired as I am of the politics of diversion and devisiveness. &amp;nbsp;Teabagging, the abortion debate, the Nancy Pelosi debate, the Dick Cheney debate -- nothing more than shiny objects to draw media attention and deflect attention away from the fact that republicans STILL don't have any ideas. &amp;nbsp;And even more tiresome is &amp;nbsp;how the press keeps getting suckered by the same old, same old. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Ah, for the good old days when political protests were really about something. &amp;nbsp;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935468</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:47:40 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935468</guid><dc:creator>Pat, Boston, MA</dc:creator><description>In anticipation of new administrations – &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;When JFK was elected, no one was happier than the “eggheads” and science community. The 1950s had been rife with McCarthyism which ruined lives, with the worst casualty being J. Robert Oppenheimer. There was a great deal of hope that JFK would clear Oppenheimer’s name and put an end once and for all to the fear mongering that had spread throughout the previous decade. Because of the witch hunts, of which Oppenheimer paid the highest price, our country lost a valuable mind in the science world. The result of this was the Russians in complete secrecy blasting off Sputnik, which shocked not only President Eisenhower, but the rest of the world as well. Because Oppenheimer was labeled a security risk (questionable), we were no longer the leaders in the world. We had wasted too much time and energy on ruining people’s lives rather than embracing their knowledge. And we paid a dear price for that.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;JFK knew the risks in clearing Oppenheimer’s name. But people in this country believed Oppenheimer had been badly treated. So when JFK had an evening for Nobel Prize winners, he invited Oppenheimer to the White House. He also award Oppenheimer with the Fermi Award in 1963, a huge deal. There was a great deal of support for Oppenheimer in this country but he was told that if he wanted to clear his name, he would have to go through grueling hearings, something he was unwilling to do. Once had been enough for him. But Oppenheimer remained for the rest of his life a kind of beloved figure, a captivating man and an individual no one ever really understood. To me he was the most interesting man of the 20th Century. We lost a brilliant mind because of politics. He traveled the country and world to huge audiences everywhere he went.&lt;br&gt;__________&lt;br&gt;JFK hated what the Republicans &amp;amp; J. Edgar Hoover &amp;nbsp;had done in the 1950s with their witch hunts. But the new president also knew that his changes had to come in time. Inviting Oppenheimer to the White House was a huge first step in this process in stomping out all the ugliness of the 1950’s witch hunts. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;President Obama needs time. He cannot pretend and we cannot pretend that just because he won, that he can overnight change the Bush policies. We are still at war. And he was left with huge mountains to climb with the economy, healthcare, education, etc.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Keep the faith everyone. &amp;nbsp;And keep pushing. That's the only way change can happen.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935472</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:48:17 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935472</guid><dc:creator>C Riggs, NY</dc:creator><description>Obama got an honorary degree at ND for babbling total bs.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935476</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:48:52 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935476</guid><dc:creator>gepa</dc:creator><description>D. Gregory does not do a very good job on MTP. Mike Steele's big mouth was all you could hear above everything else, and he has nothing worth while to say. </description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935479</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:49:25 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935479</guid><dc:creator>Karen, Cleveland, Ohio</dc:creator><description>President Obama once again shows us all how to grow up.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935481</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:50:10 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935481</guid><dc:creator>Joe's Collection Agency</dc:creator><description>Eric, Salinas, CA The best news I've heard in a long time, that Arnold's Nightmare Propositions are going to go down to defeat tomorrow. &amp;nbsp;I can't wait to vote tomorrow against all of them. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;When is California going to start paying its bills? Their creditors want their money.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935483</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:50:18 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935483</guid><dc:creator>Juan,FT Lauderdale,FL</dc:creator><description>Another great speech by our president. A civil tone mentioned by Obama is never an option w/ the &amp;nbsp;religiosity/theocrats. It's their way or else w/ their fire and brimstone and double standards. They loved the so-called born again President who lied which directly led to the death of thousands of children in Iraq, supports a political party that cuts social/education programs that would prevent unwarranted&lt;br&gt;pregnancies and only a minimal of religious nuts will ever consider adopting minority babies. The Gop love to talk about limited government intrusions only if it concerns them. &amp;nbsp; </description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935485</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:50:54 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935485</guid><dc:creator>Trevor Stills, CA</dc:creator><description>They really do need to find a new host for MTP. &amp;nbsp;It is as unwatchable as Moron Joe is. &amp;nbsp;Lawrence O'Donnell might be a good start. &amp;nbsp;Someone with a personality and some real knowledge and interest in the issues would be a relief. &amp;nbsp;I never used to miss it, and now I never watch it. &lt;br&gt;newdayDawning (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:45 AM)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Then how do you know?</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935488</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:51:23 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935488</guid><dc:creator>Dennis, Columbus, Ohio</dc:creator><description>Michael Steele showed himself to be petty Sunday on MTP. However Tim Kaine was not impressive as the DNC chairman. It appeared that Gregory &amp;amp; Kaine allowed Steele to control the discussion. Steele was more defensive than Kaine. Kaine did not fight back when he had an opening which Gregory made sure he didn't get many.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;David Gregory again shows he was the wrong person for the job.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;“This Week With George Stephanopoulos” had a much better round table, as usual, than “MTP”. &lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935489</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:51:24 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935489</guid><dc:creator>Fortunate Son</dc:creator><description>Quintessential Obama?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Sounds like the title of a greatest hits album.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Obama plays to the crowd, great orator but also often says nothing. You can't compromise abortion.&lt;br&gt;If you could then the compromise might be to legalize it only through the first 6 months of pregnancy, or to the end of the 2nd trimester.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;But we now have it legalized all the way through partial birth, where the baby is actually coming out of the womb and &amp;quot;needled&amp;quot; to end it's life. This is what Obama is about. And the argument against that procedure is highly understandable. His defense is to lessen pregnancies and therefore lessen abortions.&lt;br&gt;Another idiotic statement from a man who has NO RESPECT for life. </description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935494</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:52:32 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935494</guid><dc:creator>ken from holland, pa</dc:creator><description>Who was the last politician to wag their finger at us and tell us lies? Was that some guy named Bill? &lt;br&gt;I Did Not Have Relations With That CIA Memo, Not Once (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:37 AM)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Try george bush. &amp;nbsp;you might need to work on your short term memory.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935495</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:52:53 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935495</guid><dc:creator>Brian, Girard, OH</dc:creator><description>How petty can you get? Sheila, Pikesville, MD (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:44 AM)&lt;br&gt;====================================================&lt;br&gt;You'll see...Wait till Limbaugh comes on at noon. &lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935497</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:54:05 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935497</guid><dc:creator>Beverly in Chicago</dc:creator><description> Anne Hayes, Texas (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:30 AM&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;can he also release pictures of a partial birth abortion too? I think the public has a right to know what is going on. &lt;br&gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&lt;br&gt;YOU don't have a right to a person's medical records, so why should anyone like you want to see a dead fetu? It sounds like necrophilia to me.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935499</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:55:25 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935499</guid><dc:creator>Claire</dc:creator><description>Please. &amp;nbsp;Let's not pretend that the Huntsman appointment is about bipartisanship. &amp;nbsp;It's about removing a feared rival. &amp;nbsp;David Plouffe has said he's the one Republican most feared by the Obama team in 2012. &amp;nbsp;So it's less about good governing than merely good politics on Obama's part.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935500</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:55:29 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935500</guid><dc:creator>Eric, Salinas, CA</dc:creator><description>That's kind of shrewd and funny how Obama picked Hunstman to be Ambassador to China, showing his bipartisan desires while taking out a moderate contender in 2012. &amp;nbsp;I love the way he peels off the moderates from the republic facist party.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The way you write up Jennifer Granholm as a past beauty contestant First Read it would seem to make her the obvious choice for the repugnant ones to love, I mean all they see is skin deep. &amp;nbsp;While a great choice for the SC I'm still not convinced appointing a non-lawyer to the SC is the smartest move possible. &amp;nbsp;However with no legal past to hang her out to dry the repugnant ones will be hard pressed to whine about her.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I sure hope that disgusting gun lobby poison pill gets knocked out of the credit card bill, there's no need for guns in our national parks period. &amp;nbsp;The Congress has done a lot of work since taking over in early January, no thanks to the dopes of nope ofcourse.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Seems like a dull weekend as the repugnant ones seemed to keep their ignorant mouths shut. &amp;nbsp;Nancy Perlosi did seem to overreach herself on trying to defend what she was briefed on in September 2002. &amp;nbsp;Ofcourse Panetta will defend the CIA and ofcourse their notes will seem to be in order, but let's not kid ourselves about the highly secretive CIA, they've done things before that were shameful and have had a long sordid history of outright lying to the people of our country.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Just Say No to Arnold's Nightmare Propositions!&lt;br&gt;Go Lakers!</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935502</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:56:07 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935502</guid><dc:creator>A Gregson, Indiana</dc:creator><description>What an absolute curse Obama has become. Trillions of dollars spent, money the government does not have, and for what? Two automakers are now bankrupt, the banks are still shaky, and insurance companies are also still going out of business.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Then Obama tried to knock the Republicans out by releasing only certain CIA memo's to make the Bush team look bad. That little plan has turned things around though now hasn't it? The only ones looking bad in all that is Pelosi and Obama. Those two can't get rid of that mess on their faces fast enough. But that one is not going away anytime soon.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935505</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:57:21 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935505</guid><dc:creator>Beverly in Chicago</dc:creator><description>No matter who our President chooses for the Supreme Court the republicans will map a plan to oppose his choice, since they are just like Ron in Indiana... said going right... right over the cliff.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935508</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:58:52 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935508</guid><dc:creator>Unfortunate Nation</dc:creator><description>Fortunate Son - Obama plays to the crowd, great orator but also often says nothing.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Oh, Obama says a lot. The only problem is that what he says today will be in total opposition to what he does the next day. He speaks of common ground on abortion at Notre Dame one day, and the next he'll pick a pro-abortion radical activist to be on the Supreme Court. Obama's words do not match up with his actions.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935510</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 13:59:09 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935510</guid><dc:creator>Kent, Harrisburg, PA</dc:creator><description>A lot of great comments (Feisty, Chuck, Ron, Nashville, etc.) here mixed in with the typical (and tired) right wing attacks. &amp;nbsp;Ron is right on target regarding Obama's high-mindedness and conciliatory nature making the protesters seem petty (almost as petty as some of the standard right-wing attack lines on here). &amp;nbsp;Why didn't MSNBC cover the speech yesterday when even Fox televised it? &amp;nbsp;It was one the President's finest, and that's saying quite a lot for this very gifted speaker and statesman. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Cheers to Obama and the ND graduating class!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Jeers to MSNBC for re-running old episodes of Lockup or Dateline or whatever.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Yawn to the lack of anything remotely substantial or original from the G(dope)Pers. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt; </description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935514</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:00:03 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935514</guid><dc:creator>Mrs. Rayborn</dc:creator><description>President Obama once again shows us all how to grow up. &lt;br&gt;Karen, Cleveland, Ohio (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:49 AM)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Well, maybe you Karen. How did 8th grade go for you this year?</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935516</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:01:35 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935516</guid><dc:creator>Anne Hayes, Texas</dc:creator><description>&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt; &lt;br&gt;YOU don't have a right to a person's medical records, so why should anyone like you want to see a dead fetu? It sounds like necrophilia to me. &lt;br&gt;Beverly in Chicago (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:54 AM)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;-----------------------------------&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Scared of something Bev?</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935518</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:02:31 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935518</guid><dc:creator>Choice Is Mine</dc:creator><description>When Obama does change his mind yet again and releases the &amp;quot;torture&amp;quot; pictures, can he also release pictures of a partial birth abortion too? I think the public has a right to know what is going on. &lt;br&gt;Anne Hayes, Texas (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:30 AM)&lt;br&gt;~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~&lt;br&gt;You have been showing them to us for over 30 years and still you havn't changed my mind about a woman's right to choose. It's between her and God.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I believe abortion is the wrong choice but I believe that &amp;quot;choice&amp;quot; is quintessential to true freedom.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935519</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:03:06 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935519</guid><dc:creator>Dottie Swarthmore PA</dc:creator><description>I agree &amp;nbsp;with Feisty Redhead about the Meet The Press show Sunday. David Gregory is not the moderator they need. David allowed Michael Steele to take over the show. The Republicans think if they talk the longest and loudest that people will be persuaded to agree with them. I also agree with Ron Indiana about MSNBC not covering the President's speech. I am not a fan of Fox News but, to their credit they covered the speech in it's entirety. They ripped it apart at the end but, they covered it. Why didn't MSNBC cover the speech? BTW where is Chuck Todd, he seems to have disappeared from sight. He hasn't been at daily press briefings for almost two weeks.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935520</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:03:09 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935520</guid><dc:creator>Nashville_fan</dc:creator><description>Why no mention of the First Lady's commencement speech First Read?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;She did a wonderful job and was inspiring as always.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Not to mention, she was drafted to attend - great story! :)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/16/michelle-obama-commenceme_n_204302.html"&gt;http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/16/michelle-obama-commenceme_n_204302.html&lt;/a&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935521</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:03:19 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935521</guid><dc:creator>Houston</dc:creator><description>It looks like the major scandal about the Bush administration's failed attempt to get the US military in Iraq to torture Iraqi prisoners of war into &amp;quot;confessing&amp;quot; to links with Al Qaeda has been efficiently flushed down the memory hole in record time. The corporate media are MUCH better at covering up facts than they are at reporting on them. We now return you to the media's favorite &amp;nbsp;nontroversy du jour: &amp;quot;Nancy Pelosi: what did she know and when did she know it?&amp;quot;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935522</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:04:25 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935522</guid><dc:creator>Eric, Salinas, CA</dc:creator><description>Obama's call for “open hearts, open minds, fair-minded words” will fall on deaf ears of the evil elephant party, pity such big ears yet so deaf when it comes to facing reality. &amp;nbsp;Barack will learn that the dopes of nope will never play the bipartisan game if it's good for the country, they only worry about what's good for their decrepit losing party of limpwristed conservative crybabies. &amp;nbsp;I just hope Barack wakes up and shows them there are consequences to playing petty partisan politics all the time.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;So childish to whine about Obama and the teleprompter when their idiots use teleprompters too, too bad your clowns aren't so good at reading and comprehension huh?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I'm so glad that the majority of CA voters will reject Arnold's Nightmare Propositions even though there seems to be little organized support. &amp;nbsp;I got a flyer supporting these horrible propositions that would screw up our budgeting process but none against. &amp;nbsp;I'm just glad that Arnold won't be in the upcoming Terminator movie coming this Thursday.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Just Say No to Arnold's Nightmare Propositions!&lt;br&gt;Go Lakers!&lt;br&gt;Go Fixing Hubble!</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935524</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:04:52 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935524</guid><dc:creator>jesse     St.Paul Minnesota</dc:creator><description>The same people that where the loudest complaining about the Notre Dame speech, seem to be the same groups that complain everyday about the job the POTUS is doing.They complain about his stance on abortion,but are ok with presidents that have spoke at ND. who Invented a war that has killed thousands,and maimed &amp;nbsp;and scarred many for life.Someone that has broken our laws of war by torturing prisoners.My guess is that the hecklers where republican plants,cameras in hand to record the bravery.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935525</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:05:56 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935525</guid><dc:creator>Clara Kansas City, MO</dc:creator><description>I can't believe this was the Sunday I chose to give David Gregory a try on MTP. &amp;nbsp;What a major disappointment, AGAIN!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Michael Steele is a hideous guest as he has an opinion on everything and says nothing of substance. &amp;nbsp;Tim Kaine's comment that the party of NO is now the party of No Empathy was SO appropriate!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I will not make the mistake of giving Mr. Gregory another chance. &amp;nbsp;He was completely lame at reigning Steele in and as someone else already noted, it was about 90% Steele and 10% Kaine. &amp;nbsp;The moderating ocurred where exactly?&lt;br&gt;-------------&lt;br&gt;Regarding the President's speech at Notre Dame, I streamed it live from CNN's website - I wasn't getting sound on the MSNBC feed. &amp;nbsp;I thought it was really incredible.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;It must really suck to be a Repub right now. &amp;nbsp;No matter how hard they try, they can't seem to get any traction on their whining points. &amp;nbsp;It is an embarassment of riches watching goofy soundbite after goofy soundbite.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Even the President's &amp;quot;off-color&amp;quot; joke about Boehner (pun intended) couldn't be twisted him. &amp;nbsp;I make no illusions that this tide won't turn, I don't believe, as a political party Dems are any more honorable than Repubs, in general. &amp;nbsp;I DO however believe that this President IS the real deal. &amp;nbsp;He has walked the walk and he can certainly talk the talk.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I will enjoy the full eight years. &amp;nbsp;I am feeling THAT confident!&lt;br&gt;---------&lt;br&gt;Way to GO, Lakers! &amp;nbsp;(I was born in LA, forever a fan)</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935538</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:12:22 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935538</guid><dc:creator>Mo</dc:creator><description>Come on folks lets get a campaign going to get rid of David Gregory on meet the press. I haven't watched since Tim was moderator. I agree Lawrence O’Donnell would be good.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935540</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:12:45 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935540</guid><dc:creator>Katie C</dc:creator><description>Fortunate Son - Obama plays to the crowd, great orator but also often says nothing. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I agree. &amp;nbsp;He has a remarkable ability to talk and have you think he somehow agrees with you. &amp;nbsp;And then does whatever he intended to do in the first place, knowing full well the media will swoon and describe the way he reaches across the aisle and tries to weigh all sides of an argument before making a decision. &amp;nbsp;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935541</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:13:28 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935541</guid><dc:creator>pat huntington ny</dc:creator><description>What was missing from the ND part of the above article, is that the audience of more than 12000 drowned out the three hecklers with chants of YES WE CAN! The overwhelming majority of ND's student and faculty body supports Obama...one would think from reading all the commentary on the subject of his speech there and honory degree that the opposite was true. &amp;nbsp;No. It is not. Again, the media made a bigger story out of something that was not much to report on except for the fact that the president was making a speech.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935549</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:15:28 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935549</guid><dc:creator>mike Sarasota, Fl</dc:creator><description>&amp;quot;Who was the last politician to wag their finger at us and tell us lies? Was that some guy named Bill?&amp;quot;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;No it wasnt it was a couple of guys named George and Dick.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935567</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:21:51 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935567</guid><dc:creator>Houston</dc:creator><description>Claire: &amp;quot;Please. &amp;nbsp;Let's not pretend that the Huntsman appointment is about bipartisanship. &amp;nbsp;It's about removing a feared rival. &amp;nbsp;David Plouffe has said he's the one Republican most feared by the Obama team in 2012. &amp;nbsp;So it's less about good governing than merely good politics on Obama's part.&amp;quot;&lt;br&gt;---------------------------------------------&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Huntsman was not much of a threat for 2012. While he may have been a formidable opponent in a general election. he had no chance of winning the Republicn nominaiton. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;FR didn't mention that he had been viciously attacked by the Limbaugh cultists who control the party for politically incorrect statements he made about gay civil unions. Nobody in the Republican Party who's guilty of that kind of ideological impurity can win the primaries .&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Huntsman, knowing that winning the Repub nomination was out of the question, was probably being as pragmatic as Obama in accepting a job he apparently wanted almost as much as the presidency, which is out of reach for a relative moderate like him.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935569</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:22:10 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935569</guid><dc:creator>Anne Hayes, Texas</dc:creator><description>You have been showing them to us for over 30 years and still you havn't changed my mind about a woman's right to choose. It's between her and God. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I believe abortion is the wrong choice but I believe that &amp;quot;choice&amp;quot; is quintessential to true freedom. &lt;br&gt;Choice Is Mine (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 10:02 AM)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Really? When were the photos shown on CNN? In Newsweek? Time? Katie Couric doing a special on them? </description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935571</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:24:16 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935571</guid><dc:creator>Bethie from TX</dc:creator><description>Who was the last politician to wag their finger at us and tell us lies? Was that some guy named Bill? &lt;br&gt;I Did Not Have Relations With That CIA Memo, Not Once (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:37 AM)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;++++++++++++++++++&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;How about former President George W. Bush, who said, &amp;quot;America does NOT torture!&amp;quot; &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935572</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:25:12 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935572</guid><dc:creator>Jody, Iowa</dc:creator><description>As usual some excellent comments already.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;MTP, I watched Sunday for first time in several weeks and once again was disappointed. &amp;nbsp;What annoyed me about David Gregory was that when Tim Kaine tried to speak Gregory interrupted with his argumentative &amp;nbsp;reporter style but he allowed Steele to speak with very little interruption. &amp;nbsp;Gregory claims he is unbiased but his interruptions say otherwise. &amp;nbsp;Maybe it's just the argumentative tactics that I don't like. &amp;nbsp;Tim Russert could make his point without being overly agressive and without his own view being given--that's what Gregory should learn. &amp;nbsp;Meanwhile on the McGloughlin (sp) report on PBS Lawrence O'Donnell took &amp;nbsp;that condencending Monica Crowley (a slightly toned-down version of Ann Coulter) to task with a master's touch! &amp;nbsp;Great job O'Donnell. &amp;nbsp;We need to see him more. &amp;nbsp;Meanwhile Joe Scarborough continues to annoy me more every morning--he's another one who could learn to STOP interrupting and let the other person speak even when you disagree. &amp;nbsp;Add Buchanan who also can't let the other person talk and it's not good morning coffee. &amp;nbsp;Disagree after the person speaks but just up and let the person talk. &amp;nbsp;Everything is about Scarborough when I was in congress and when I blah blah blah; when he's there, the others seem to just give up trying. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Figures the GOP is busy gathering evidence against a SCOTUS nomination who is yet unnamed. &amp;nbsp;Already sick of the &amp;quot;activist&amp;quot; judge tactic and wondering if it will have as much impact as their &amp;quot;fear&amp;quot; tactics during the last two elections. &amp;nbsp;Whether GOP or democratic appointed, every judge plays an activist role in certain instances--that's what interpretation of the constitution involves when the issues are not clear, and activists are both republican and democrat. &amp;nbsp;As for Jennifer Granholm, I like her but can't really think she's a serious candidate.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Jon Huntsman is an excellent choice. &amp;nbsp;His background and abilities are what matters, not what party he represents. &amp;nbsp;I imagine the GOP is having an attack of some kind trying to figure out how to deal with Pres Obama.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935577</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:26:04 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935577</guid><dc:creator>Ed, San Antonio</dc:creator><description>Give David Gregory the pick slip!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I too tried to watch MTP----got disgusted and found myself wondering why I expected it to be worth watching!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Lawrence O' gets my vote to replace Gregory! &amp;nbsp;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935585</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:28:04 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935585</guid><dc:creator>Susan L., Redmond, WA</dc:creator><description>Thank you for explaining that &amp;quot;pro life&amp;quot; mortar-board. &amp;nbsp;I had no idea that was what it was supposed to be. &amp;nbsp;I guess it's like a rohrshach test. &amp;nbsp;I saw a woman's feet with a cross in place as if to say &amp;quot;no sex for you -- only Jesus and his Holy Cross!&amp;quot; &amp;nbsp;Baby's feet? &amp;nbsp;With a cross in between? &amp;nbsp;Is that the baby Jesus and his holy cross? &amp;nbsp;Sorry. &amp;nbsp;Too damned unintentionally funny. And it really got no message at all across to me other than confusion at what the hell the feet with the cross between them could possibly be. &amp;nbsp;Pro-Lifers are weird.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935586</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:28:38 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935586</guid><dc:creator>Dennis, Columbus, Ohio</dc:creator><description>Come on folks lets get a campaign going to get rid of David Gregory on meet the press. I haven't watched since Tim was moderator. I agree Lawrence O’Donnell would be good. &lt;br&gt;Mo (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 10:12 AM)&lt;br&gt;/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\&lt;br&gt;YES &amp;nbsp;YES &amp;nbsp;YES !!!&lt;br&gt;The best (probably only) way to get rid of David Gregory is not to watch. When the ratings fall low enough and stay there long enough NBC will make a change. They don't want to loose one of the few top rating shows they have.&lt;br&gt;There are several people qualified to be moderator of MTP but for the best they will need to look outside of the NBC family.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935589</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:30:33 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935589</guid><dc:creator>Drew, Cincinnati, Ohio</dc:creator><description>Please would the right wing nut jobs just quit telling lies. As a practicing Catholic I would not now or ever follow or take advice from Alan Keyes or Newt Gingrich. They are completely the opposite of what a good Catholic is suppoesed to be about. As a practicing Catholic I look at all the facts and stances of a candidate and pick the one that has the most common traits of myself. I am against abortion, but if that is the only difference for 1 candidate compared to hundreds of differences with the other candidate this is a no-brainer. The Republican party is out of power because they do not fit with the ideals of most Americans. They had 8 years of lying, deceiving, and ripping off working Americans. The youth, minorities, and working class have made their choice and all of this obstructionism along with negativity. Most Americans have had enough and want to move forward to rebuild this country and the economy and as long as the Republican party still lives in the past and follows radical liars like Limbaugh, Hannity, Beck, and O'Reilly they will never recover. The right wing fringe is only a 10% part of a troubled party. Please do all of us a favor and wake up and move on. It would be better for all of us and this country to have a 2 party system that deals with issues not garbage.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935592</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:31:27 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935592</guid><dc:creator>Clara Kansas City, MO</dc:creator><description>Point of Clarafication:&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I have been reading the transcripts of MTP. &amp;nbsp;This was my first attempt to watch. &amp;nbsp;Also agree with above, ABC's roundtable is by far the best. &amp;nbsp;I try not to miss it. &amp;nbsp;Can't stand VP Cheney apologist, Liz Cheney. &amp;nbsp;Wouldn't it be great if EVERY American had a father that could create a position for their child at the State Department? &amp;nbsp;I guess not everyone has those particular bootstraps. &amp;nbsp;But I digress, MTP sucks with Gregory as the moderator. &amp;nbsp;It is just that simple. &amp;nbsp;I had always like Gregory as the Whitehouse Correspondent. &amp;nbsp;This format is simply not his strong suit. &amp;nbsp;He rarely follows up with the obvious questions. &amp;nbsp;It is like the rapid fire pace is hard for him to keep up with. &amp;nbsp;Tim Russert was an attorney, he was amazingly prepared and he could debate BOTH sides of every issue. &amp;nbsp;David Gregory just lacks that dimension.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I am not bashing him as a reporter or a person, I just find him unsubstantive. &amp;nbsp;I wouldn't even know where to begin on getting NBC to review this.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I love Lawrence O'Donnell; but I'm not sure he can argue the 'Repub' side of the debate. &amp;nbsp;To be effective in this role, one HAS to be able to hold BOTH sides' (and foreign leaders') feet to the fire.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I guess here is a good place to start:&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://surveys.researchresults.com/mrIWeb/mrIWeb.dll?I.Project=S1800525&amp;amp;I.User7=ss&amp;amp;i.user1=10&amp;amp;Id=15ca5cbb-e3b6-4b76-ba1f-634a44a6865e"&gt;http://surveys.researchresults.com/mrIWeb/mrIWeb.dll?I.Project=S1800525&amp;amp;I.User7=ss&amp;amp;i.user1=10&amp;amp;Id=15ca5cbb-e3b6-4b76-ba1f-634a44a6865e&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935593</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:32:11 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935593</guid><dc:creator>Alan, NJ</dc:creator><description>&lt;br&gt;So Juan is it only minorities that have unwanted pregnencies?&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935594</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:32:57 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935594</guid><dc:creator>Chet</dc:creator><description>FR didn't mention that he had been viciously attacked by the Limbaugh cultists who control the party for politically incorrect statements he made about gay civil unions. Nobody in the Republican Party who's guilty of that kind of ideological impurity can win the primaries . &lt;br&gt;-------------------------------------------------&lt;br&gt;That's interesting Houston-you listen to Limbaugh, hm? &amp;nbsp; </description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935603</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:37:34 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935603</guid><dc:creator>Dan St. Louis, MO</dc:creator><description>How's Nancy Pelosi doing today? She find her place yet? &lt;br&gt;Looking Fine (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:31 AM) &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Who was the last politician to wag their finger at us and tell us lies? Was that some guy named Bill? &lt;br&gt;I Did Not Have Relations With That CIA Memo, Not Once&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; No, it was some guy named George, but you keep on living in your little Republican fantasyland.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935611</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:41:34 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935611</guid><dc:creator>Choice Is Mine</dc:creator><description>Really? When were the photos shown on CNN? In Newsweek? Time? Katie Couric doing a special on them? &lt;br&gt;Anne Hayes, Texas (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 10:22 AM)&lt;br&gt;~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~&lt;br&gt;You are right but they have appeared on the posters at the demonstrations covered by all of the above and many local news channels. These pictures have had more coverage over the last 30 years than war crimes.&lt;br&gt;We see more of these pictures than we see of shooting victims.&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935614</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:43:01 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935614</guid><dc:creator>Whatever!</dc:creator><description>How's Nancy Pelosi doing today? She find her place yet? &lt;br&gt;Looking Fine (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:31 AM) &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Who was the last politician to wag their finger at us and tell us lies? Was that some guy named Bill? &lt;br&gt;I Did Not Have Relations With That CIA Memo, Not Once (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:37 AM)&lt;br&gt;__________&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;And in your never ending attempt to further nothing but your own misguided agenda, I see how you conveniently leave out all the non-finger wagging lies in between told by Bush, Cheney, Rove, Meiers, Gonzalez, etc. etc. etc.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I guess in your eyes, it isn't the lies, then, so much as the finger wagging?&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935621</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:46:42 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935621</guid><dc:creator>Iowa Dem</dc:creator><description>When will political pundits get over the idea that Hillary was ever going to be a challenger in in 2012. There was never any way she would do that. If she couldn't beat him in an open race after being annointed by everyone but Democratic primary voters that she was the inevitable nominee, she sure can't beat him as an incumbent. Jimmy Carter was as weak as a President could get, and all Ted Kennedy could do was weaken him for the general, not beat him for the nomination. Huntsman with all do respect was about as likely a 2002 general election opponent as Clinton was a primary opponent. In other words neither would happen. Huntsman may have considered running, but he would not have won the GOP nomination. He probably would have been the best general election candidate, but he has been too moderate for the current GOP. And the mormon issue will still be there in 4 years. Anyone who doesn't think that will be an issue, wasn't paying attention in the GOP primary. &amp;nbsp;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935628</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:49:31 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935628</guid><dc:creator>Nj</dc:creator><description>Obama was great yesterday. All the GOp butt holes need to get a clue.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Lets talk about Pelosi some more, she was responsible for Cheney's deeds.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;GIVE US A BREAK PEOPLE. &lt;br&gt;The economy has stabilized, I wonder who did that???</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935633</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:52:35 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935633</guid><dc:creator>,Blaine</dc:creator><description>Fact is Barack Obama is too cool for the haters and the protesters. His DEMEANOR, not to mention his intellectual capapcity, is what allows him to maintain his composure during the patheitic political turbulence.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935634</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:52:52 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935634</guid><dc:creator>New Indi</dc:creator><description>David Gregory does a pretty good job of allowing his viewers to hear and observe the words and attitudes of his guests. &amp;nbsp;I think that is just what a moderator is supposed to do.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Clara, feisty and others seem to want a biased moderator wh would not be moderate at all. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I watched yesterday and I saw a Democrat do a very good job of keeping his cool while refuting the allegations of a Republican. &amp;nbsp;I saw the moderator provide objective evidence to counter the claims the Republican made.....objective evidence.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;While some might enjoy the ranting baffoonery of Kieth Olberman or a highly partisan type like Lawrence O'Donnell I appreciate David Gregory and expect him to grow and do a very good job in his role.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935639</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:54:55 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935639</guid><dc:creator>Sharon IL</dc:creator><description>When Obama does change his mind yet again and releases the &amp;quot;torture&amp;quot; pictures, can he also release pictures of a partial birth abortion too? I think the public has a right to know what is going on. &lt;br&gt;Anne Hayes, Texas (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:30 AM) &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Anne-I believe the public already knows what's going on with partial birth abortions -- they just don't want to see pictures of it. The same way I don't want to see pictures of grieving parents after a tragedy, animals being hurt or abandoned, or executions, or prisoners being tortured. Why would anyone? But thanks for your good thoughts.&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935642</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:55:36 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935642</guid><dc:creator>Cjake</dc:creator><description>I see Fortunate Son is still getting paid to post right wing comments here (or is he the moderators trying to stir up things). After your fictional flub about the detainee photos you still think your posts are relevant.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935645</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:59:11 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935645</guid><dc:creator>Chandler W.</dc:creator><description>1. I stopped watching MTP, but tried Sunday because I wanted to see what Mr. Kaine and Mr. Steele had to say. However, I agree that David Gregory had no control over the incessant talking of Steele. It is high time that moderators shut these people up when necessary. MTP is not an option at all anymore.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;2. I am beginning to think that President Obama may be too intelligent for some people in this country. I like the idea that a President, after hearing from others, can internalize what was said, and if need be, change his position. This is only a sign of weakness to the extremes of both parties. To me this is a sign of strength. As an educator I often had plans for a class, but after the class began, circumstances changed, and therefore my plans had to change. President Obama realizes that he is not the President of the left, but of everyone. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;3. I am sick of hearing about torture - that it is torture to listen to it. I hated what the Bush administration did. Anyone with half a brain knows they tortured and it is illegal. However, spending four years of the Obama administration on torture is a sure way to sink his agenda, an agenda that will help this country's future. So Keith, Rachel, and Ed - enough! There is other news to cover. Let the Justice Department handle the torture situation.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;4. The Notre Dame uproad was a convoluted, staged opposition by a small percentage of pro-life people. The majority of those at the graduation ceremony had the intelligence and open-mindedness to listen to the President's speech. To reduce politics to only one issue is absurd. And furthermore, even though I am against abortion, I am pro-choice. I believe it is none of my business what others do. People need to live with the decisions they make - the good and the bad. America is a nation founded on law. The Framers of the Constitution were adamant about keeping the passions of religious belief out of law. Let's not forget that.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Finally, all people really must try to do what the President suggests. We may never reach agreement on certain issues, but we can find common ground, work together, and maybe make America better than ever.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935646</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 14:59:38 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935646</guid><dc:creator>Rick, NC</dc:creator><description>First Read: &amp;quot; it's going to be hard for Republicans to make the public case that somehow Obama hasn't attempted to reach across the aisle.&amp;quot; &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Wow, talk about a left wing rag taking the bait. Obama &amp;quot;reaches across the aisle&amp;quot; by saying &amp;quot;either agree with me, or I'll throw you under the bus&amp;quot;. Gregg figured that out in about 10 seconds. Obama and the Democrats completely locked the Republicans out of any budget and stimulus money bills. And you FR have the gall to say Obama reaches acress the aisle? That kool-aide must taste real good to come to that conclusion. &lt;br&gt;Joe Baitman, NC (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:25 AM)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;No really...most of us in NC are smarter and better informed than Joe the tobacco farmer. Bush and Cheney defined bipartisanship as you either agree with them or you were a terrorist loving baby killing loony liberal. </description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935654</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 15:06:44 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935654</guid><dc:creator>Dan St. Louis, MO</dc:creator><description>Obama plays to the crowd, great orator but also often says nothing. You can't compromise abortion. &lt;br&gt;If you could then the compromise might be to legalize it only through the first 6 months of pregnancy, or to the end of the 2nd trimester. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;But we now have it legalized all the way through partial birth, where the baby is actually coming out of the womb and &amp;quot;needled&amp;quot; to end it's life. This is what Obama is about. And the argument against that procedure is highly understandable. His defense is to lessen pregnancies and therefore lessen abortions. &lt;br&gt;Another idiotic statement from a man who has NO RESPECT for life. &lt;br&gt;Fortunate Son&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Here we go. &amp;nbsp;So you say you cannot &amp;quot;compromise abortion&amp;quot;. &amp;nbsp;So that means you are either unable or unwilling to look at ANY other alternative other than to make abortion illegal. &amp;nbsp;You say &amp;quot;His (Obama's) defense is to lessen pregnancies and therefore lessen abortions.&amp;quot; &amp;nbsp;Of course you conveniently left out one important word (unwanted - as in unwanted pregancy) &amp;nbsp;What in the world is wrong with wanting to cut down on unwanted pregancy? &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;Apparently, you also believe that government should be in the business of being in the American citizen's business, otherwise, you would not support any law that would curtail the rights of an American citizen. &amp;nbsp;A ban or law against abortion would take away rights from women and leave the decision of birthing a baby up to the government.&lt;br&gt;Your attitude is similar to so many Republicans who yell that they want a smaller government, yet support laws that intrude into American freedoms. &amp;nbsp;You may be able to convince others of the pile of manure you're trying to sell, but I ain't buying it.&lt;br&gt;Am I for abortion - NO. &amp;nbsp;I believe that everything that can be done should be done to protect the child. &amp;nbsp;But the fact of the matter is that unwanted pregancies still occur. &amp;nbsp;If you work to reduce the number of unwanted pregancies, then chances are you will also reduce the number of abortions. &amp;nbsp;It may not be banning abortions completely, but at least its a start. &amp;nbsp;Most &amp;quot;anti abortionists&amp;quot; I meet only want one thing, to outlaw abortion. &amp;nbsp;They don't want to look at any other alternative, even if that alternative may help reduce the number of abortions. &amp;nbsp;But by trying to reduce the number of abortions, you would actually be fighting for the rights of the unborn.&lt;br&gt;Do you not see the logic in this? &amp;nbsp;Or are you another one of those lemmings who follow those who yell the loudest?</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935655</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 15:06:53 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935655</guid><dc:creator>Sharon IL</dc:creator><description>They really do need to find a new host for MTP. &amp;nbsp;It is as unwatchable as Moron Joe is. &amp;nbsp;Lawrence O'Donnell might be a good start. &amp;nbsp;Someone with a personality and some real knowledge and interest in the issues would be a relief. &amp;nbsp;I never used to miss it, and now I never watch it. &lt;br&gt;newdayDawning (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 9:45 AM)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I agree 100%. I used to never miss MTP -- I watched last week &amp;amp; was disappointed with Gregory -- it was just &amp;quot;gotcha&amp;quot; questions. This week I did not watch, thank goodness, and probably won't in the future.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935656</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 15:07:16 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935656</guid><dc:creator>MSierra, SF</dc:creator><description>Gus Fess, AZ: '...The people of California have to be getting fed up with how much their government is costing them. Arnold is like Specter. He thinks he has to appeal to a the liberal base to win an election, ...'&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Gon*d the Barbarian does NOT have a 'liberal' base&lt;br&gt;He's supported by big business interests&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;'...It's time the people of California get serious about cutting back their government and all it's spending. If they don. the state will be bankrupt in about 6 months...' &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I don't know where we'd be without you, Gus&lt;br&gt;Why don't YOU run for Governor ?&lt;br&gt;California needs to raise taxes and cut spending&lt;br&gt;The six propositions would be a REAL HELP&lt;br&gt;It looks like thy'll all fail&lt;br&gt;California, like America thinks there's a 'free lunch'&lt;br&gt;Msny of us seem to think you can cut taxes and raise spending and balance the budget&lt;br&gt;YOU CAN'T&lt;br&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Bud Gett: '...California has become an embarassment to the country....'&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;RIGHT !!&lt;br&gt;Texas, Alambama and South Caro9lina are shining examples, aren't they ?? &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;'...Just what in the world is that state trying to do to fix it's fiscal problems? Just like Obama, California is spending money it does not have...'&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The 'Three Stooges of the National Debt' Reagan, Bush &amp;amp; Bush are RESPONSIBLE for NINETY PER CENT OF OUR TOTAL NATIONAL DEBT&lt;br&gt;Any Questions ?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;As for Obama, we HAVE to SPEND to get out of a RECESSION&lt;br&gt;WHAT DID REAGAN DO ?&lt;br&gt;Reagan: 'The deficit doesn't matter if the Economy is growing'&lt;br&gt;Cheney: 'Reagan proved that the deficit dosen't matter'&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Any QUESTIONS about WHO ran up the NATIONAL DEBT ??&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;California's spending is out of control&lt;br&gt;The Legislature and the Governor are both worthless&lt;br&gt;Arnold promised to 'tear up the credit cards' when he took office&lt;br&gt;HE FAILED&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;You get the government you want &lt;br&gt;And in the long run, you get the government you deserve&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Californians, like most Americans are a bunch of spoiled brats&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935657</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 15:07:28 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935657</guid><dc:creator>NOTRE DAME IS A DISGRACE TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ...</dc:creator><description>NOTRE DAME IS A DISGRACE TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH --- NOT NECESSARILY FOR INVITING OBAMA TO SPEAK AT THE GRADUATION --- BUT CERTAINLY FOR GIVING HIM AN AWARD, THEIR HIGHEST HONOR.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;NO CATHOLIC LEADER EVER SUGGESTED THAT A DIALOGUE WITH SOMEONE WHO PRACTICES A MORAL TEACHING IN DIRECT OPPOSITE TO THAT OF THE CHURCH --- SHOULD INCLUDE GIVING THAT PERSON AN AWARD.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;OBAMA IS THE MOST &amp;quot;PRO&amp;quot; ABORTION PRESIDENT IN HISTORY!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;ONE OF OBAMA'S VERY FIRST ACTS AS PRESIDENT --- WAS TO SIGN AN EXECUTIVE ORDER THAT WILL RESULT IN MILLIONS OF UNBORN BABIES, WORLDWIDE, BEING SUCKED FROM THEIR MOTHER'S WOMB AND MURDERED.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935680</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 15:16:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935680</guid><dc:creator>Dan St. Louis, MO</dc:creator><description>You have been showing them to us for over 30 years and still you havn't changed my mind about a woman's right to choose. It's between her and God. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I believe abortion is the wrong choice but I believe that &amp;quot;choice&amp;quot; is quintessential to true freedom. &lt;br&gt;Choice Is Mine (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 10:02 AM) &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Really? When were the photos shown on CNN? In Newsweek? Time? Katie Couric doing a special on them? &lt;br&gt;Anne Hayes, Texas&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Anne, Choice is Mine talked about the right being between her and her God, merely mentioning photos being shown over 30 years and the only argument you can come back with is &amp;quot;where were the photos shown&amp;quot;? &amp;nbsp;One who is passionate about their beliefs would have made a case against her beliefs, not the photos. &amp;nbsp;Obviously you are not as passionate or you would have argued that point instead of mentioning something that is basically immaterial to the post and was brought up as precursor to Choice's beliefs.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935682</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 15:16:55 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935682</guid><dc:creator>John B, Des Moines, IA</dc:creator><description>&amp;quot;Anyone who didn't think President Obama would give a speech that would aim to rise above the back-and-forth over his commencement speech yesterday at Notre Dame hasn't been paying attention over the last two years.&amp;quot;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;FR, you have nailed the single most important reason why President Obama is so popular. &amp;nbsp;Even as he pushes the agenda he was elected to enact, he is constantly trying to get the conversation out of the mud so we can speak to each other as equals instead of enemies.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935690</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 15:19:40 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935690</guid><dc:creator>Hue Chi, Beijing</dc:creator><description>Who is to say that Huntsman can not and will not challenge this potus p/o/s come 2012? &amp;nbsp;Being ambassador to China does not come with shackles and concrete booties. &amp;nbsp;Huntsman could enhance his portfolio for 2-3 years and then return to crush this lying muslim.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935705</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 15:26:40 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935705</guid><dc:creator>Z</dc:creator><description> &amp;quot;Gonzo-Gate&amp;quot; it will not just fade away. Stay tuned for further information.</description></item><item><title>First thoughts: Quintessential Obama</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/05/18/1935414.aspx#1935708</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 15:28:27 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1935708</guid><dc:creator>MSierra, SF</dc:creator><description>Eric, Salinas, CA: '...Just Say No to Arnold's Nightmare Propositions!...'&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Eric, I'm afraid that when the propositions fail, we'll get CATASTROPHIC budget cuts&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Those Propositions were negotiated with Dem Leaders Bass and Steinberg and a couple of courageous Republicans&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I hope you don't get what your wishing for&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;(I agree with everything else you support)</description></item></channel></rss>